Der Aufrechte Gang

Hinweis auf Moshé Feldenkrais

Abstract

Abstract (English)

Tracts and directives on how to attain sound thinking and doing – right living – have been written since time immemorial. They all advocate some form of spiritual discipline, reflection, contemplation, or rhythmic technique, and suggest doing less rather than more, while persisting on the chosen path without wavering. A number of these teachings have exerted an impact far beyond their places of origin. Nearly all of them fulfill their promise – provided the initiate is really tuned in and has learnt how to act in their spirit. However, anyone who hopes to find an objective procedure, an infallible prescription, will be disappointed, usually failing to take into account what is most important: striving for success blocks salvation, because there is no other aim than the living reality implemented at every step along the way.

I am assured that my freedom has long been an illusion. It is a fact though that I can bend down, straighten up again, turn my head. But can I really? Such actions are often clumsy and ungainly, involving effort and pain. Obviously I must be doing something wrong. The question is how to change that. Or more modestly: How to become more pleasing to myself and thereby to others. A comprehensible little book provides instruction. Moshe Feldenkraise’s “Walking Upright” [Tr: as Franz Wurm’s German translation of “Awareness through Movement” was originally called] could be of use for everyone. This book is not intended for specialists, the “educated”, or cultists, but for all of us lay-people who simply go about our daily lives.

This article is also available in English.